Obituary of Aldon Morton Turner

TURNER, Aldon Morton (78, Lake Ramsay, New Ross) The family of the late Aldon Morton Turner, Lake Ramsay (New Ross), sadly announces his passing at Rosedale Home for Special Care on Thursday, August 17, 2017. Born on August 11, 1939, Dad was the son of the late Lynwood and Samantha (Turner) Turner.

He is survived by his sons: Clay (Wendy Fuller), Lake Ramsay; Allan (Nadine), Hebbs Cross; daughters: Laura (Rick Turner) Turner, Lake Ramsay; Daisy (Donnie Lenihan) Turner, Leville (New Ross); sisters: Fay Armsworthy, Herring Cove; Jean (June) Redden, Spryfield; seven grandchildren: Amanda Turner (Pat Frenette); Kyle Turner (Courtney Jobe), Dillon Turner, Courtney (Brent) Smith, Dexter Reeves (Candace Cross), Kaylyn Turner, Keegan Turner; two "adopted" grandchildren: Edward Fuller, Olivia Lenihan; one great-grandchild, Bryson Bruce Smith, and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of 49 years, Mary Ann (Levy) Turner; an infant brother, Lynwood; sister, Gwendolyn (Jeep) Bezanson; and brother-in-laws: Ken Armsworthy, Carl Redden, Merlin Bezanson, and Nathan Levy.

Dad was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and devoted friend to many who knew him. He had a keen interest in political affairs, sports (hockey and baseball), and the forestry industry. For the first few years after finishing his formal education at Lake Ramsay School, Dad began his long working career: first working on farms in the Annapolis Valley, then with Standard Paving, the Formex Plant in Kentville, and various construction companies throughout mainland Nova Scotia and St. John, New Brunswick. He worked several years for Gillespie Construction before leaving in the late 1980s to work in his various woodlots: cutting hardwood, selling softwood to Bowater Mersey, and cultivating and caring for several acres of Christmas trees, an industry in which he took great interest and pride.

Dad proudly supported and campaigned for the Progressive Conservative and then Conservative Party of Canada. He was most proud of a trip to Ottawa where he met with then Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, in his office on Parliament Hill where Dad offered "advice" and gave his opinion on current political issues.

Since his cancer diagnosis in July 2015, Dad never gave up hope, always looked at life positively, and remained a pillar of strength for family and friends.

The family wishes to thank all health care professionals involved during Dad's cancer journey: Dr. Isabella Dobek, family doctor; Dr. Daniel Du Toit, geriatrician, Bridgewater; Dr. Aneil Mujoomdar, surgeon, QEII; Dr. Lara Best, radiation oncologist, Nova Scotia Cancer Centre; the late Dr. David Abriel, palliative care physician, and Dr. Christian Pugh, Dad's physician during his stay at Rosedale Home for Special Care. Our family has a renewed faith in our health care system after having had the privilege of getting to know these incredible physicians. They took the time to "speak" Dad's upfront, no-nonsense language, listen to and tolerate his strong political viewpoints, and accept his often bawdy sense of humour. We also wish to thank the palliative care team of SSRH, all VON nurses who made home visits, especially Shelley Reeves, and Dad's special "daughter," Darlene (Grant) Croft, who helped Dad navigate the health care system during his many trips to Valley Regional Hospital. The family is also indebted to the nursing and support staffs who provided Dad with incredible care when he was a patient at South Shore Regional Hospital and then a resident at North Queens Nursing Home and Rosedale Home for Special Care. Dad had some special "angels" among these staffs, and we are sure they all know who they are.

Visitation will be held from 12:30 pm until 2:00 pm on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at the Forties Community Centre, 1787 Forties Rd. and will be directly followed by a memorial service with Reverend Judy Phillips officiating. By request, flowers will be provided by the immediate family only. Memorial donations in Dad's memory will be made to any of the following: New Ross Volunteer Fire Department, Christ Anglican Church Cemetery Fund, Rosedale Home for Special Care, and South Shore Palliative Care, c\o Health Services Foundation of the South Shore, P.O. Box 492, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia B4V 2X6. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home New Ross Chapel, 4935 Hwy 12 New Ross (902-689-2961).